DINING OUT

The past meets the present in style at this delightful resort in South Pattaya

SINCE 1984 Sugar Hut Resort & Restaurant has been giving visitors the chance to enjoy luxury accommodation in traditional Thai-style houses which, while they may look ancient, come equipped with all the modern-conveniences a guest could wish for. Take what appears to be a mattress on the floor, for example. It may not look like the most comfortable of beds, but lie down on it and you’ll find that a whole bed has actually been sunk into the floor. This means that while guests enjoy the illusion that they’re sleeping as they would in a traditional Thai home, they still get the same comfort as they’d find in any top quality hotel.

It’s the same with the bathrooms, where, for example, guests can keep to the traditional theme by scooping water out of a large porcelain barrel to wash themselves, or simply switch on and use the hot shower.

Aside from a spacious bedroom and bathroom, each villa also has a small separate living room decked out with comfy couches, TV and DVD player – not strictly traditional, but hey, you can always wear the farmer-style Thai outfits offered in each villa to keep the traditional theme going strong.

Set within lush tropical gardens, the resort has a wonderful ‘back to nature’ atmosphere and even wild peacocks and rabbits can be spied wandering around. Scattered around the verdant landscape is the resort’s full range of hotel services, including three communal swimming pools, a fully equipped gym, 0.5km running track, a natural sauna, and one of the best Thai restaurants to be found in Pattaya.

Guests can opt to enjoy meals in the comfort of their rooms, or head to the restaurant to lounge at low tables and soak up the tranquil atmosphere of the resort.